Explore one of Europe’s most special corners as you journey through a picture-book land of vineyards, orchards and castles.

Enjoy discovering the joys of life in the slow lane in this, part-Italian-speaking and part-German-speaking, sun-kissed region. Journey, from your hotel base near the shores of Italy’s most beautiful lake, on an interesting mix of rail and cableways. Visit charming towns and villages that radiate the warmth and sense of well-being created by their idyllic Alpine surroundings, and enjoy some of Italy’s most delicious food and wine along the way.

Available Departures:

Fly direct from Inverness – departs on 2 September 2020 – from £1,305pp

Fly direct from Edinburgh – departs various dates until October 2020 – from £855pp

Fly direct from Glasgow – departs various dates until October 2020 – from £849pp

Little Trains of the Dolomites Itinerary

Day One – Fly to Italy

Fly to Italy, meet your tour manager and transfer to your chosen hotel on the shores of Lake Molveno, which was named ‘Italy’s Most Beautiful Lake’ in 2017. Idyllically set in the shadow of the soaring Brenta Dolomites, Molveno is a haven for nature-lovers and a climbers’ Mecca, and a perfect base from which to explore this very special region.

Enjoy a first dinner in the hotel this evening.

Day Two – Included visit to Bolzano and cable-car ride

Begin your exploration with today’s visit to Bolzano, the capital of the Alto-Adige/South Tyrol region. The city captures perfectly the region’s blend of southern Mediterranean and northern Italian influences in its famous food and celebrated wines.

Set in a broad valley, at the confluence of two alpine rivers, Bolzano makes drifting into holiday mode easy. Relax in countless little cafes and explore colourful shops and stores. German – and English – are widely spoken here despite this being Italy, and a leisurely lunch is more likely to consist of wurst and apfelstrudel than pizza and pasta.

After an introductory tour you’ll be free to visit the town’s South Tyrol Archaeological Museum – home to the mummified remains of Otzi (the famous Tyrolean Iceman unearthed in 1991 by two tourists). Hopefully no similar startling discoveries await you this afternoon as you enjoy your scenic journey, first aboard the Renon cable car to Soprabolzano on its sunny plateau. After the chance to take in the idyllic surroundings of the Renon Nature Park, and to see its fascinating Earth Pyramids rock formations, you’ll finish your day with a ride on the historic narrow-gauge Renon railway to the mountain village of Collalbo, from where you’ll return to your hotel by coach.

Day Three – Optional excursion to Trento

Today brings opportunities to savour the delights of your hotel and of Molveno’s small selection of shops and cafes. Rowing boats are available for hire if you’d like to venture out onto the pristine lake, and you can take a cable car to the heights of beautiful Pradel and the Paganella plateau beyond to wander its walking trails.

Alternatively, join today’s optional excursion to the former Roman settlement of Trento, the principal town of Italian Trentino, in its mountain-backed setting. Wander the colourful streets, and don’t miss the ancient Duomo cathedral or the vast Buonconsiglio Castle, and perhaps enjoy another leisurely lunch, before completing your day with a relaxing hour or so in Levico, close to the shores of fjord-like Lake Levico.

Day Four – Included ride on the Mendola funicular

Another historic railway awaits you today, as you head along the Weinstrasse (Wine Trail) to tiny San Antonio, or St Anton, to board the Mendola funicular. Enjoy some spectacular views as you climb the heights of the Mendola Pass, at a maximum angle of 64 degrees, to the top station. After the opportunity for yet another leisurely lunch, this afternoon you’ll be immersed in the region’s wine-growing industry. Visit the idyllic village of Caldaro, where the South Tyrolean Wine Museum provides a fascinating insight into the local vintages, and enjoy a wine-tasting in Mezzocorona, known as “the most beautiful wine-growing garden of Europe”.

Day Five – Optional excursion to Lake Garda

Enjoy another free day in Molveno and its delightful surroundings, or join today’s optional excursion south to Lake Garda. Highlights of this tour will include visits to elegant Riva del Garda on the Lake’s northern shore, and colourful Malcesine, from where you can take the cable car to the heights of Monte Baldo, above the famous resort town (payable locally).

Day Six – Journey by rail from Mezzolombardo to Caldes

A last day of exploration amid the scenic Dolomites sees you head across the vineyard-covered Rotaliana plain to historic Mezzolombardo, which sits between two beautiful valleys, overlooked by its two castles. Board a regional train, here, for the scenic, 45-minute journey to Caldes. After passing yet more hilltop fortresses, you’ll arrive in Caldes, where the restored 13th-century castle dominates the tiny, delightful, apple-growing village.

After time for lunch, your final afternoon visit takes you back in time as you wander the ancient rooms of the Palazzo Assessorile, in the heart of the historic village of Cles.

Day Seven – Optional excursion to Verona

You’re free to spend your last day relaxing, and hopefully soaking up the sunshine by the lake or on the water. Alternatively, you may wish to join our final optional excursion to “fair Verona”, the historic backdrop for the tragic tale of “Juliet and her Romeo”, and home to the famous opera season held yearly in its Roman amphitheatre.

Explore this fascinating place, and then take a seat in an open-air cafe in Piazza Bra to watch the world go by. Return to your hotel for a last dinner, this evening, and to re-live the memories of a wonderful week in this special corner of the world.

Operated by Newmarket Promotions/Air Holidays Ltd. ABTA V787X/V7812. ATOL protected 2325. Single supplements apply. Standard call charges apply. The price was correct at the time of publishing and while every effort is made to ensure these are as accurate as possible , they can fluctuate suddenly due to demand.